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Information About Row Row Row Your Boat

The origins of "Row Row Row Your Boat" are unclear, but it has been suggested that the song came out of American minstrel shows. The earliest printing of this song was seen in 1852. However, the first version of this song was in a different tune.

Two years later, it was re-printed with a new tune. The more modern version of the song was recorded in 1881.

The lyrics to this song have often been debated. A lot believe that it has to do with life's struggles. Since you are the one rowing, and you choose the paths that you take while in the boat. There are also many versions that have come about over time. Children sometimes change some of the lyrics to make it funnier.

It has been used in a number of TV shows such as Fringe and Star Trek V. It can be noted in books and some movies as well.

Zita Newcome has compiled a great little book of classic children's activity songs that also describes all the motions associated with each song, including "Row row row your boat" . You can read the full review on the Amazon site: Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes: And Other Action Rhymes.

Alternative Lyrics & Related Songs

A funny alternative version goes like this

Row, row, row your boat
gently down the stream
and if you see a crocodile,
don't forget to scream
Aghhhh!

Another very funny version

Row Row Row Your Boat
Gently down the stream
You throw your teacher overboard
And listen to her scream.

Here are some more versions

Row, row, row your boat
Down the Arctic river
If you see a polar bear
Don't forget to shiver.

Row, row, row your boat
Gently to the shore
If you see a lion there
Don't forget to roar.

Here's some new verses

Row row row your boat
Gently down the stream
Throw your teacher overboard
And listen to her scream.
Nine days later
Floating down Dellaware
Chewing on her underware
Wish she had another pair.
Ten days later
Bitten by a polar bear
And that's how the polar bear died!